LUBLJANA: The government of Slovenia on Thursday approved a decision to recognise an independent Palestinian state.
The move drew swift condemnation from Israel. The decision rewarded Hamas for murder and rape, said Foreign Minister Israel Katz.
“Today the government has decided to recognise Palestine as an independent and sovereign state,” said Slovenia’s  Prime Minister Robert Golob.
The parliament of the European Union member country must also approve the government’s decision in coming days.
The move is part of a wider effort by countries to pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza.
Golob also called for the immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the release of all hostages.
“This is the message of peace,” he said.
A Palestinian flag flew alongside those of Slovenia and the EU in front of a government building in Ljubljana Thursday.
On May 28, Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised a Palestinian state, prompting an angry reaction from Israel.
Of the 27 members of the European Union, Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria have already recognised a Palestinian state. Malta has said it could follow soon.
Britain and Australia have said they are also considering recognition, but France has said now is not the time.
Germany joined Israel’s staunchest ally, the United States, in rejecting a unilateral approach, insisting that a two-state solution can only be achieved through dialogue.
Denmark’s parliament on Tuesday voted down a bill to recognise a Palestinian state.
Norway had until recently followed the U.S. position but has lost confidence that this strategy will work.
Israel has been fighting the Hamas since the militant outfit launched a cross-border attack on October 7, that killed some 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Gaza health authorities say more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war over the past seven months.
(REUTERS)
